STATEMENT OF CARDINAL TIMOTHY DOLAN ON THE RESCINDING OF DACA

Today’s announcement that DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – will be rescinded is an ominous development for the 800,000 immigrants who came to our great nation as children and who now face the possibility of losing, through no fault of their own, their right to live, work, and remain with their families here in the United States. This is contrary to the spirit of the Bible and of our country, and a turning away from the ideals upon which our beloved country was founded.

Today in the Catholic Church we celebrate the Feast Day of a woman who was such a familiar and welcome visitor to this City – Mother Teresa, now Saint Teresa of Calcutta. Saint Teresa lived out her missionary activity motivated by one simple fact: we are all children of God, made in His image and likeness, which gives everyone – rich or poor, sick or healthy, Black, White, Latino or Asian, immigrant or native born – an inalienable dignity that no person or government can ever take away. All of the “Dreamers” who now face such uncertainty and fear, please know that the Catholic Church loves you, welcomes you, and will fight to protect your rights and your dignity.

If there is a positive element to today’s announcement, it is that there is now time for Congress to act, to pass humane legislation that will make the provisions of DACA law, and provide a way for these men, women, and children, who are very much a part of the fabric of our country, our neighbors, co-workers, fellow parishioners, and friends, to continue their lives as productive and valued members of our country. We must always remember, as Jesus told us, that laws were made to serve people, people were not made to serve laws.
DECLARACIÓN DEL CARDENAL TIMOTHY DOLAN SOBRE LA RESCISION DE DACA